Lexus AVS can also interact with the VDIM system and PCS to optimize damper rates in response to potentially hazardous situations. For example, the AVS applies increased front damper force as an anti-dive measure during emergency braking.
Wheels and Tires
Accentuating the vibrant paint colors, the Lexus RC has 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, each featuring machined spokes. The 18-inch wheel and available 19-inch wheel uses a five-spoke design. The 19-inch F SPORT wheel has a distinctive 10 twin-spoke layout to create a deeply sculptured shape.
The bright machined finish of the 18-inch wheel widens towards the rim. On the 19-inch F SPORT wheel, a bright machined finish is applied to the silhouette of each of the 10 individual spokes, adding a touch of elegance. With either wheel, the RC uses a staggered array, with wider wheels at the rear to emphasize the car’s wide stance.
All-Weather Drive
The available electronically controlled all-weather drive (AWD-i) system uses an electronically controlled center differential to vary the torque split from 20:80 to as much as 50:50 to help enhance traction and grip under a wide range of driving conditions. The system retains a rear-wheel bias in most driving to give the AWD model a rear-drive feel and agility.
Stopping Power
The RC has 13.15-inch diameter brake rotors front and rear. Commensurate with its higher-performance mission, RC 350 F SPORT gets its own 14.06-inch diameter two-piece rotors and high-friction brake pads. The rear brake calipers are lightweight aluminum alloy.
Braking feel is as important as effectiveness in a performance-tuned car.
A two-stage brake booster helps ensure optimum braking effectiveness and controllability: the pedal-force versus deceleration curve is linear in the first stage to help with controllability and provides enhanced effectiveness as pedal force increases.
Cold-forged brake pedal bracket mounting collars optimize pedal rigidity, and a shortened pedal stroke-to-brake take-up point enhances controllability.
High-Strength Steel
Lexus RC’s frontal and side collision protection measures include the use of hot-stamped steel sheet of up to 213,205 psi tensile strength in key areas of the body; part of the RC body is 43 percent high-tensile strength steel.
Eight Airbags
Lexus RC has eight SRS airbags, including a dual-stage driver’s airbag, dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger airbag, driver’s and passenger’s knee airbags, front-seat side airbags and first and second row side curtain airbags.
Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management
All RC models have Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM), the Lexus system that coordinates control of the powertrain, ABS, electric power steering, traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems. Lexus VDIM can anticipate loss of traction and help ensure the traditionally separate active safety systems of VSC, TRAC, and ABS work in concert to help correct it by seamlessly integrating control of basic ‘drive-turn-stop’ vehicle performance. VDIM functions also include Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
The RC 350 F SPORT RWD features the latest iteration VDIM, which adds control of Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), rear-wheel steering and the Lexus Dynamic Handling system, for integrated lateral force and yaw moment control.
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
The Lexus RC offers the added peace of mind of available Pre-Collision Brake and Pre-Collision Brake Assist systems. Using the radar sensors of the Adaptive Cruise Control, these systems are designed to detect the potential for a collision between the RC and an obstacle or vehicle ahead. Both systems can operate brake control to reduce the impact.
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Pre-Collision Brake and Pre-Collision Brake Assist are designed to help increase the driver’s braking effort.
Pure 2+2
The Lexus design brief for the RC could be described as “coolness over utility.” That simply means there would be no compromising the design. The RC is a pure 2+2 coupe, with the comfort priority placed on the first “2” in that equation. There’s enough room in back for friends to ride along, though, and there are unique features to make getting into and out of the rear seats easier. But the RC was designed first and foremost to please the driver and a lucky front passenger.
From every angle, the low profile, wide-stance RC with its short wheelbase and large diameter wheels is intended to provide a visual jolt. The Lexus signature spindle grille, a focal point of the design, is the lowest and widest application yet of this brand signature design element. The F SPORT takes the spindle grille design further. The mesh pattern of the upper section gradually transforms into an “F” character as it approaches the lower extremity.
The Shape of Things That Go
Lexus crafted a unique new platform for the RC when it was introduced, borrowing only select parts from the IS and GS models. The RC RWD models ride on a 107.5-inch wheelbase is 184.8 inches long and stands 54.9 inches tall. The coupe measures 72.4 inches wide to the edges of its fender flares, a deliberate design theme to envelop wide wheels and tires and to give the coupe a particularly grounded look. The RC rolls with 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on specification.
LED Signature
In daylight or night, the Lexus RC announces its presence with Lexus signature headlamp design and technology. State-of-the-art -LED headlamps and separate L-themed daytime running lamps (DRLs) help ensure both a unique look and highly effective illumination.
Separating the DRLs also reduces the visual weight of having all lighting elements condensed into single, large units. Placing the headlamps at a higher position than the grille creates a powerful and daunting expression of eyes staring ahead.
A Distinctive Rear Light Signature
Given its performance capability, the RC will most often be seen from the rear. Lexus wanted it to leave a distinct impression at it passed. A combination of multiple LED lamps and cutting-edge lens technology give the rear lights a sparkling effect reminiscent of glittering gems. Like the headlamps, the rear combination lamps show the distinct Lexus L-shape motif. But, rather than simply embed the motif as a graphic element within the lamp unit, the surface is raised to create a three-dimensional “L” effect.
A clever lens design gives the sparkling effect of 50 LEDs per side but uses 24 per side. There are two inner lenses, a stepped inner lens and an outer lens with a series of multi-layered serrations on its surface, three for each LED bulb. Aligning the serrated sections to achieve the desired sparkle effect required painstaking effort, precise calculations and studying many illumination examples. Lexus designers feel the effort was well worth it.
Colors: A Spectral Experience
Lexus has six exterior colors for RC and another three for F SPORT models. The six RC colors include Infrared, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Silver Lining Metallic, Atomic Silver, and Obsidian. The F SPORT offers three exclusive colors: Ultra White, Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, and a standout orange, Molten Pearl.
Door Design: Mind The Gap
Lexus long ago set the benchmark for a new industry standard in tight and consistent panel gaps. For the RC, Lexus once again raised its own game, reducing parting lines between the door and front fender edges and rear quarter panel edges from 0.16 in. to 0.15 in. It’s a small change, but one that makes a visual difference.
As part of the door design, the RC has black belt-line molding on the doors and quarter panel, changing to stainless steel (silver) from the upward slant of the quarter glass for a sporty look. The exterior mirrors feature integrated LED turn-signal lamps, and aero stabilizing fins are fitted to the tip of the doorframe molding.
There is no visible key slot, nor is there a gap between the handle and the cover. (The design allows the key to be inserted behind the handle if necessary.) The door handle is touch-sensitive for locking. It has a built-in LED puddle lamp on its underside, to make the handle clearly visible at night and provide brighter illumination on the ground.
Interior Defines Coupe Appeal
A true sports coupe conveys a special feel quite different than that of a sedan. It feels closer to a sports car, but with higher measures of comfort and elegance. The Lexus RC achieves that balance and integrates cutting edge infotainment technology.
Large kneepads on the center console, along with door trim that sweeps upward toward the front, sets the emotional tone for the cabin. The center console and door trim feature a layered appearance, expressing Lexus elegance. Contrast stitching is a design highlight.
Ambient Illumination: Setting The Mood
As ambient lighting using LEDs has become prevalent in luxury vehicles, Lexus found a way to give it a more polished effect. In most luxury vehicles, the ambient lighting illuminates downward. The Lexus RC introduces upward facing illumination to create a feeling of welcome like that used along the pathways of homes.
Attention to detail and intelligent use of technology is evident in a Lexus-first light guiding bar located in the upper quarter of the door panels. A single LED lamp mounted at the front of the bar shines through a series of microdot granules. Some of these reflect strong light while others reflect less light, so they are graded away from the light source to create continuity of softness. The light is always reflected; at no stage does the LED shine directly into the cabin.
Information Central
Facing a four-dial gauge layout, the RC driver feels immediately connected to the car’s sporting intent. Silver rings trim the speedometer and tachometer, which are flanked by engine temperature and fuel gauges.
A 4.2-inch thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD) at the center of the instrument cluster presents the full-color Multi Information Display (MID). Linked to the car’s multi-media system, the MID can display vehicle, audio and navigation information.
Classic sportiness meets cutting-edge convenience on the Lexus RC’s steering wheel, which integrates switches to control the MID, phone function, audio functions and cruise control (standard or adaptive).
The F SPORT adds an array of special features to create an immediate impression, the moment the driver enters the cockpit, that this is a unique sports model. The gauge design is directly descended from the LFA supercar, using full-length illuminated needles and needle rings, and a white outer band with inverted colors.
The F SPORT pedals and driver’s footrest are aluminum, the steering wheel and shift-lever knob are trimmed in F SPORT exclusive perforated leather, and the steering wheel has an F SPORT emblem.
The Seats of Power
Even at first glance, the Lexus RC’s seats seem special. And they are. They get their premium look and feel from the integrated foaming construction. The upholstery is set into the mold, which is then filled with foam to complete the seat in one process. This contrasts with the conventional method of seat construction where the molded foam pad is covered with upholstery.
Using the integrated foaming method, the material does not need to be stretched as tightly over the foam, resulting in a premium feel and high-precision appearance. Filling the seat in a single process also eliminates wrinkles and slippage of the cover. The heated and cooled front seats use a fast-acting carbon heater system.
The seat design effectively helps disperse body pressure the instant the occupant sits down, creating an instant sense of comfort. The design helps provide optimum comfort during normal driving and added support when the driving turns sporty. F SPORT seats have unique quilting and flowing stitching. Wedge metal trim uses thinly machined sections of metal with a precision surface treatment to add to the three-dimensional expression.
Positioned for Performance
Sitting in the Lexus RC, you’ll know you’re in a true coupe, not a two-door derivative of a sedan. Quite deliberately, the driving position connects you more directly with the car’s inherent agility. Lexus lowered the hip point and reduced the steering wheel angle, to position it more vertically. (Tilt and telescoping adjustment is standard.)
Two for Tee
Lexus didn’t throw out practicality when it amped up emotion in the RC. The 60/40 split-fold rear seat back can accommodate items up to 59 inches long, such as snowboards. With the rear seats in use, the 10.4 cu. ft. luggage area can accommodate two golf bags.
Lexus gave much attention to rear seat access. A dual manual/electric folding mechanism eases access for passengers and is refined in its convenience. The power operation has a memory function, allowing the seatback to automatically return to a pre-set position. The passenger can override the power seat movement manually if in a hurry, for example if it is raining. The seat can then be returned to a pre-determined position either manually or electrically.
Upholstery: Another Color Spectrum
Color creates a mood, and that becomes even more crucial to a coupe designed to evoke emotion. Lexus offers four high-contrast interior colors for the RC – Stratus Gray, Playa, Flaxen, Black and an additional, exclusive color for F SPORT, Rioja Red. Each features a contrasting stitching color. In particular, the strong contrast between Playa and the black instrument panel and stitching produce a tight, sporty look. (Flaxen is not available for the F SPORT.)
Wood Trim
Wood trim is another area where Lexus has set high standards in the luxury category. The RC offers two types of genuine shimamoku wood, which adorns portions of the door panels and dash. Shimamokudenotes an intense, layered production technique refined by Lexus that yields an exceptionally deep-looking, polished finish to the wood.
Tick Tock
Even in a tech-filled world, the popularity of designer timepieces – especially among car enthusiasts – reveals that there is a place for classic clock design. In the RC, that place is the center of the instrument panel. The RC’s analog clock makes a statement about refined craftsmanship.
Taking design inspiration from casual sports watches, a finely crafted elliptical bezel frames a beautifully designed dial with large markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The attention to detail extends to the way the clock is mounted. The leather-trimmed finish of the register bezel is designed to resemble a watchband, with thin silver strips above and below it adding a sharp highlight to the area around the clock.
Premium Audio: Digital “Decompression” Chamber
Since its inception, Lexus has continually pushed the advancement of mobile audio. Both the standard and optional audio systems play all popular digital formats, whether from CD, iPod®, USB or other device.
The standard audio system drives its 10 speakers – including a 10-inch subwoofer -- with 256 watts total output. The speakers include 3.5-inch left and right dash speakers, a 2.6-inch center dash speaker, 7.0-inch front-door speakers and 6.3-inch rear side panel speakers. The subwoofer is mounted beneath the rear panel.
Lexus is the only auto brand to offer mobile audio by Mark Levinson, one of the world’s elite home audio brands. Available in the RC, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker system creates a stunning 360-degree, three-dimensional sonic space. The system produces 835-watts total output while consuming less power than other systems of similar output. The control panel was designed to resemble the simple, clean designs used on Mark Levinson home equipment.
The speakers include: 3.5-inch left and right and center dash Unity™ speakers; seven-inch front door speakers; one-inch center pillar speakers; 6.7-inch rear side panel speakers; rear corner 3.5-inch Unity speakers, and the 10-inch subwoofer. (The Unity speakers are dual-driver.)
The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System integrates an audio restoration technology that was introduced in high-end home systems only recently. The technology restores some of the clarity lost during compression for digital formats commonly used today.
The Clari-Fi technology automatically analyzes compression in the signal of digital tracks (CD, iPod, etc.). It recognizes the level of compression and determines how much amplification is needed, and where, to correct it. The result is a much cleaner sound that is closer to the original recording.
Like A Smartphone: Advanced Touch Control
The 2016 Lexus RC starts with a fresh slate for multimedia control. For navigation-equipped vehicles, a Remote Touchpad uses smartphone-like touch control, including tap, flick and pinch gestures to control audio, navigation or system information displayed on the center screen, without the user having to look down.
The interface is intuitive and easy to use. Moving one finger over the Remote Touchpad panel surface moves the cursor, and pressing down or double tapping enters the selection. An integrated feedback function vibrates the surface when the cursor on the electro multi-vision navigation (EMVN) screen moves over a button. So, you can confirm the cursor movement without looking at the display.
In addition to its ample operating area, the touch pad has a surface texture specially developed to ensure smooth movement. It never feels sticky or rough. The clean and cool design and flat shape harmonize with the cabin design. Specially designed illumination makes the white designated areas of the electrostatic touchpad surface appear three-dimensional at night.
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Covering A Bigger Spot
The RC has a version of Blind Spot Monitor with an extended detection area. The system can assist the driver when changing lanes by providing information not only about vehicles in the side mirror blind spot zones, but also by detecting vehicles approaching from the rear in adjacent lanes. The system in the RC is able to provide information up to 196 feet behind the vehicle.
The system calculates the time an approaching vehicle will take to reach the back of the RC, and begins providing information when this time goes below a threshold value. The timing, or distance, at which the system starts providing information changes according to the relative speed.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) assists the driver when backing out of a parking space or driveway. It uses the BSM radar sensors, mounted on the rear corners of the vehicle, to help detect approaching vehicles from both rear sides of the RC. It uses and the same buzzer and indicators as the BSM system to help alert the driver.
Climate Control: Mixing It Up
Lexus designed the RC to be a coupe for all seasons, and available all-weather drive isn’t the only factor. The cabin climate control system includes two-layer control of internal and ambient air and upper/lower level independent air mixing, as well as independent left and right temperature control.
The climate control panel uses high-contrast negative liquid-crystal display for clear visibility. Advanced electrostatic switches in the control panel allow for control of cabin temperature.
By dividing the intake air ducts between internal air and ambient air, the RC’s climate control system prevents a drop in temperature caused by ambient air intake when the heater is on, thereby increasing heating efficiency and saving energy.
Independent upper and lower multi-layer air mixing enhances comfort by providing control that matches conditions. For example, on a colder day with bright sunshine coming through the windshield, you can set the upper air mix for cooling while at the same time have the lower air mix set for warmth. The RC air conditioning system includes the hallmark Lexus feature of a pollen-removal function, as well as a clean-air filter with deodorizer.
Warranty
